MALDI-TOF MS Machine for Microorganism Identification

MALDI-TOF MS machine, or Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry machine, is a powerful tool for rapid and accurate identification of microorganisms.
Category
Laboratory Equipment
Where to get
Available in specialized scientific equipment suppliers.
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

MALDI-TOF MS Machine FAQ


Image credit: criver.com

What is MALDI/TOF used for?

MALDI/TOF can also potentially be used to dictate treatment as well as diagnosis. MALDI/TOF serves as a method for determining the drug resistance of bacteria, especially to β-lactams (Penicillin family). The MALDI/TOF detects the presence of carbapenemases, which indicates drug resistance to standard antibiotics.

Why do we use a matrix for MALDI/TOF?

The matrix can be used to tune the instrument to ionize the sample in different ways. As mentioned above, acid-base like reactions are often utilized to ionize the sample, however, molecules with conjugated pi systems, such as naphthalene like compounds, can also serve as an electron acceptor and thus a matrix for MALDI/TOF.

What is TOF MS?

TOF MS is the abbreviation for Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry. Charged ions of various sizes are generated on the sample slide, as shown in the diagram. A potential difference V 0 between the sample slide and ground attracts the ions in the direction shown in the diagram.

Why is MALDI/TOF a useful diagnostic tool?

MALDI/TOF is a diagnostic tool with much potential because it allows for the rapid identification of proteins and changes to proteins without the cost or computing power of sequencing nor the skill or time needed to solve a crystal structure in X-ray crystallography. [citation needed]

MALDI-TOF MS Machine References

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